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Part of making any type of celebration or event special and romantic is setting the mood for it. Setting the mood can be taken in many forms, from just being excited about it, to decorating in order to create an overall effect. The point is to create an environment that exudes love and romance so that the both of you can just get caught up in the moment! The first thing you'll need to do is decide exactly the type of mood you want to set. Ask yourself what it is that you are trying to accomplish and what mood you want to convey: playful, romantic, sexy... all the above... :)
 Before you go about getting everything ready, make sure you know where you want to end up!MassageA perfect way to set the mood this Valentine's Day is through your lover's senses! Arouse them with a few tips in our Massage Know-How article!
Decorations from the HeartWhy limit decorations to just the traditional holidays? Help create the perfect mood by spreading a little love around...
- Take out your Christmas lights, red lights are the best, and put them up around the house. This year stores have taken much more of an interest in Valentine's Day and there are quite a few romantic lighting options available. Use this to your advantage!
- Buy roses and fresh bouquets and put them EVERYWHERE!! Remember, most grocery stores sell roses and bouquets at quite a reasonable price.
- Candlelight is one of the most popular symbols of romance. Go to a local discount or craft store and stock up on as many candles and candlestick holders possible. Place them everywhere and light them every night instead of using your normal lighting. You'd be surprised at the result!!
- Tie red ribbons on all your plants!
- Have red candles of all shapes and sizes all over.
- Balloons are a great way to say, "I love you." Buy a bunch of balloons and put them all over the place.
- Use red satin sheets.
- Burn incense or scented candles.
- Play your favourite romantic music.
- Place heart soaps in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Have scented massage oils in the bedroom.
- Use red potpourri.
- Make a canopy of red crepe paper over your bed.
- Use red garland! For something fun, make a heart out of it.
- Put cut-out hearts all over the walls.
- Buy some romantic prints of people kissing or couples.
- Use red bedding.
- Have holiday packaged candies like M&M's, Hershey's Kisses, etc. around.
- Lay a rose on your love's pillow.
 Having The Right Ingredients
In order to set the proper mood, especially if you're planning on a romantic evening at home, you need to have the right ingredients! Below is a list of a few things you should have in "romantic" stock at all times!
- Candles, preferably scented.
- Incense or Potpourri
- Romantic music
- Satin Sheets
- Soft Pillows
- Stereo
- Massage or Baby Oil
- Bubble Bath (find their favourite scent!)
- Scented oils!
- Big Comfy Bath Towels
- Ice Bucket
- Champagne, Water and Wine Glasses
- Picnic Basket
- Breakfast In Bed Tray
- Champagne, Water, Wine, Sparkling Water and Fresh Juices
- Romantic/Sexy Clothes
- Romantic Movies
- Finger Foods
Personal Enhancements...
ok, we've covered ideas on how to set the mood through your own feelings and emotions, and how to create a love haven. Now it's time to take a look at your physical self and how to use it to create the perfect setting!· Get a make over, cut your hair... whatever personal attribute you've been meaning to get taken care of... DO IT!!
- If you're planning an evening of romance at home, make sure to wear something that compliments your theme. If lingerie isn't to your liking, then try a romantic nightgown or something similar.
- If you're going out, wear that knock-out outfit, or go buy the one you've been eyeing for awhile!! Remember the better you look, the better you'll feel.· Wear something comfortable. If you're going out in a new outfit, wear it for an hour or so to make sure it will be comfortable and isn't inconvenient. Don't forget to break in any new shoes.
- Go to a hair stylist and test a few new "do's". Guys, go out and get a professional shave and cut!
- Take the time to do something special with yourself. If it means taking an extra 5 to 10 minutes in your personal grooming, do it. Most of the time, it's the small things that end up meaning the most.
- If you've gained a few pounds during the holidays, start exercising or start in on some healthier eating habits. Imagine how special your love will feel to know you're making a better effort in your appearance just for them!!
Valentine's day checklist
 Make sure this Valentine's Day goes off without a single hitch! Below is a general checklist of things you should consider when planning your Valentine's Day! Good luck, and have a most romantic holiday with your sweetheart!
1. Scheduling
Before you can decide on anything, you need to find out what both of your schedules are. Do one or both of you have to work? Find out what hours. Does your date have something else planned during any part of the day? Make sure to find out everything, then tell your date AS SOON AS POSSIBLE what time to reserve for your interlude.
2. Interests
Is your date a "flowers and romance, dance all night" type, or a "stay at home in front of the fire" type of person? This is important in determining what you are planning to do. If you're not sure, ask your date what they like.
3. Planning
By now you should know what timeframe you have to work with and what your partner's interests are. With this information it should be much easier deciding what to do. While you're planning, make sure to check if reservations are needed, any tipping requirements, transportation you might need, any possible dress code, timeframe of any events, and if there are any restrictions on any mood enhancers you might want to bring, like candles. Don't forget to let your date know about any information they need to know, like dress codes, etc.!
4. Mood Making
With the date idea selected, it's time to plan your "over-the-top valentine romance!" For a list of great ideas, see our making it perfect article. When planning these, check for any of the things mentioned above that are relevant.
5. Gifts
The gift is almost as, if not more, important than the actual date. It doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to show that you've put a lot of time and care into selecting it. If you're deciding to give a traditional favourite, like flowers or chocolates, try and do something unique with them. For example, have 12 single roses delivered separately, or try one of the creative chocolate ideas found here.
6. Confirm Everything!!!
The night before, take some time and confirm any reservations or plans you have that involve a third party. This not only helps ease your nerves a bit, but also reminds the other person of their possible duty.
7. Relax And Enjoy!
Pick up your date and enjoy each other's romantic company! Relax, because you've taken all the steps to plan the perfect Valentine's Day date!!
Get Involved!! How are you spending Valentine's Day this year? Let us know and your ideas could be featured in our guide!!
Romance at the ready
The key to being the ultimate romantic is being ready and able at the drop of a hat. To attain this "coveted status," it helps to be prepared by always having the romantic essentials at hand. This way, the next time the mood strikes, you can actually act on it! Below is a list of my all-time essential romantic items. Enjoy mi amores!
- Candles, candles, candles. In a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Don't forget tea lights for picnics and your car!
- Lighter or matches to light candles.
- Sexy lingerie for the BOTH of you!
- Romantic and comfy lingerie for more intimate moments.
- A variety of massage oils to experiment with.
- At least five romantic movies, or a list of romantic movies you'd both be willing to rent and watch.
- 4 different types of romantic mood CDs.
- A "home-made" guide to romantic destinations in your city. To do this first spend about a month or two researching your city. Visit every place you can imagine. While doing this, keep a journal of the different aspects of each place. For ex. times open, cost of visit, best season to visit, private or public outing, etc. Then import your data onto your computer (into Word or Access) for future reference!
- Baby-sitter list of at least five people!
- Champagne and champagne glasses.
- Picnic basket set.
- Warm blanket to cuddle with on picnics or other outings.
- List of all the restaurants in your area that deliver, their menus and hours of delivery.
- Camera to capture your romantic memories and a photo album to store them in.
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The Third Prize winner will receive a great BBQ Gourmet Gift Set and Bottle Tote! PLUS A $10 GIFT CERTIFICATE!
Throw the best backyard barbecues in your neighborhood with the help of this gift set. It includes a Bread Dip 3-in-1 Card, On the Grille Honey Garlic Spice mix, jar of On the Grille Steak & Burger seasoning, 4 Pepper Blend mix (25g) and Sea Salt (50g). The handy Built NY Clink Proof Bottle Totes, made of neoprene, hold wine, water, champagne, or whatever comes in a bottle.
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